I think there is, but not as stark as in the U.S.—the worldly success versus the spiritual “lack” is less contrasted.

Sorry - I was messing around by selectively misquoting you. Giving more of your original context:

> where people achieve success through relentless struggle

In my limited experience of Russian literature, the struggle doesn't lead to success!

> In my limited experience of Russian literature, the struggle doesn't lead to success!

There is a meme comparing different countries’ literature:

France: “I would die for love.” England: “I would die for honor.” America: “I would die for freedom.” Russia: “I will die.”

The harsh climate and scarce resources in Russia prevent it from producing something like the American Dream. People there seem to be more pessimistic.

> scarce resources

What now??? Russia is one of the most resource-rich countries on the planet! They are just very inefficient in doing anything with it. The country and all its people should all be among the wealthiest on the planet.

The impression of Russia as a resource-rich nation didn’t really take shape until after World War II. The widespread use of oil and natural gas only spans about a century, which hasn’t been enough time to fundamentally alter the literary essence of Russia.

And USSR is really not good at produce normal goods…

Maybe, but Russia's main problem is its climate. The coldest permanent settlement in the world is in Russia.

It can. Look at Norway.

> I feel like Russian literature touches on this.

I think that’s an understatement.